We had Friday, November 13th, off from school. It had been a planned in-service day to go over the upcoming J-term plans and to teach some technology sessions to teachers, but it was all set aside because our boys’ soccer team went to the state finals again. This was the third year in a row, and the fifth time in my nine years at CVCA that the program had gone all the way to the state finals. We have a pretty good soccer program.

It was a perfect day – sunny and in the high 50s. Our game started at noon, so we did not have to get up too early to make the two-plus-hour drive to Columbus. The game was once again at Crew Stadium, the home of Columbus’ professional soccer team. It is a nice field and stadium.

CVCA was playing Worthington Christian, so it was an all-private, all-Christian final. That allowed the teams to pray on the field before and after the game, which was nice to see. As far as I can tell, the game was played fairly cleanly; people that I have talked to who actually know soccer agreed.

CVCA looked a little lost for the first 20 minutes or so in the first half. Worthington played much of that time on our end of the field,and even in the final 20 minutes of the half they kept up the pressure. Our guys just did not look so sharp as they usually do – there was some sloppy passing and a few missed assignments. Again, I know almost nothing about soccer, but it seemed as if we were on our heels. I felt as if we were very fortunate to go into halftime at a 0-0 tie.

The halftime motivational must have worked because we came out and played much, much better. From that point on the game was very evenly matched. Worthington went up 1-0 on a strange goal where the goalie got both hands on the ball, but it still somehow slipped through. We came back and scored about 15 minutes later, and the game went into overtime tied at 1-1. Sadly (for our team), Worthington scored on another strange goal where our goalie actually got both hands on the ball, looked as if he cupped it to his chest, and somehow it came out and went in the goal in slow motion. He was very upset, but he had played a great game and, from what I hear, a great season; and he’s only a freshman. Our team rallied around him, and then after a few minutes the two teams shook hands and then prayed together. I’m sad that our team lost, but it was a fine day for soccer. I’m hoping to have another fine day in Crew Stadium next year!